Papri Chaat: A Delightful Indian Street Snack Adventure

Embark on a culinary journey with papri chaat, a vibrant Indian street food that’s a symphony of flavors and textures. This beloved snack combines crispy papri (wheat chips) with an array of toppings, creating a delicious medley that will tantalize your taste buds.

Picture yourself strolling through the bustling streets of India, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of spices and sizzling snacks. Papri chaat is a staple of this street food scene, offering a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, tanginess, and spice in every bite.

The Heart of Chaat: Chaat Masala

At the core of papri chaat’s irresistible flavor is chaat masala, a spice blend that’s nothing short of magical. This potent mixture combines kala namak (black salt), cumin, coriander, dried mango powder, and other aromatic spices to create a flavor profile that’s simultaneously tangy, spicy, and savory.

While store-bought chaat masala is readily available, crafting your own blend allows you to fine-tune the flavors to your liking. Plus, the aroma of freshly ground spices will transport you straight to the streets of Delhi or Mumbai!

Crafting the Perfect Papri Chaat

Creating papri chaat at home is like assembling a colorful puzzle of flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall experience:

• Crispy papris form the base, providing a satisfying crunch
• Tender boiled potatoes and chickpeas add heartiness
• Cool yogurt brings a creamy contrast
• Vibrant mint and tamarind chutneys offer bursts of freshness and tang
• Crunchy sev (chickpea noodles) crown the dish with extra texture

The beauty of papri chaat lies in its customizability. Feel free to adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer extra spice or a milder flavor, this versatile snack can be tailored to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Mint Chutney:

• 1 bunch (60g) cilantro
• 1 bunch (60g) mint
• Juice from 1 lime (about 30ml)
• 1 medium (20g) serrano pepper, sliced

To Assemble:

• One recipe homemade papris, or one 12-ounce bag of store-bought papris
• 1 cup (about 250g) boiled, peeled, and cubed russet potato
• 1 can (434g) chickpeas, drained (or equivalent freshly cooked from dried)
• Chaat Masala spice mixture, to taste
• 1 pint (450g) whole-milk yogurt
• 1 small onion, diced
• One recipe homemade Spiced Tamarind Chutney or one jar of store-bought tamarind chutney
• Mint chutney (recipe above)
• One recipe sev or one bag of store-bought sev crackers

Directions

1. For the Mint Chutney: Prepare an ice bath. Blanch cilantro and mint in salted boiling water for about 20 seconds until bright green. Quickly transfer to the ice bath to halt cooking, then drain thoroughly.
2. Remove thick mint stems and roughly chop herbs with tender stems. Blend herbs, lime juice, and serrano pepper in a blender, adding just enough cold water to create a smooth consistency. Avoid over-blending to prevent heat buildup and discoloration. Season with salt to taste. This vibrant chutney will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
3. To Assemble: Spread papris in a single layer on a large serving plate, creating a crispy foundation for your chaat.
4. Toss potatoes and chickpeas with chaat masala to infuse them with flavor. Distribute this mixture evenly over the papris.
5. Mix yogurt with chaat masala to taste, then generously spoon over the potatoes, chickpeas, and papris, adding a creamy layer to your chaat.
6. Top with diced onion for a sharp crunch. Drizzle mint and tamarind chutneys over the dish, then sprinkle sev on top for extra texture. Finish with a dusting of chaat masala. Serve immediately, ideally paired with a cup of sweet, milky chai for the ultimate Indian street food experience.

Notes

Kashmiri red chili powder is mild and fruity. If unavailable, substitute with half the amount of cayenne pepper. For a quicker version, use store-bought components like papris and chutneys. Mix and match homemade and store-bought elements to create your perfect semi-homemade papri chaat.